9.4.15

“Le Chat
Noir” (The Black Cat) was a famous place between 1881 and 1897, probably the
first modern type of cabaret. It was created by Rodolphe Salis (1851-97). His
first idea was to mix art and alcoholic beverage (absinthe…). Thus he opened a
small and modest tavern at 84 Boulevard Rochechouart. A “Swiss Guard” at the
entrance filtered the visitors – poets, painters… allowed, priests and military
not allowed. The start was quite successful, partly thanks to the arrival of a
group of artists and writers, who previously had been active on the Left Bank, “Les
Hydropathes” (those who don't like water), founded by the poet and
journalist Emile Goudeau (1849-1906).

The style of the cabaret is perhaps
illustrated by the way customers were treated: Those who left early were
insulted, those who arrived late were banished to a corner… Customers could be
greeted by “Well, you are finally out of prison?” or, to clients accompanied by
their wife, “What have you done with your chick from yesterday?”. The future
King Edward VII was addressed by “Well, look here, he looks like the Prince of
Wales all pissed”. Anyhow the place was visited by a lot of (later) famous artists, writers... On one of the photos below, you can see some of the personalities,
including the painter Paul Signac.

Maybe a few
words about the famous poster and sign of “Le Chat Noir” that we all recognise.
It was created by (T.A.) Steinlen (1859-1923), who became a well-known painter
and printmaker, represented in many leading museums.

Another
artist involved was A.L. Willette (1857-1926), who decorated the place including
the large painting “Parce Domine”, which now can be found at the Montmartre
Museum (see previous posts). He later decorated a number of establishments,
including the Moulin Rouge – he also designed the famous red mill.

The team
around the cabaret also decided to create a weekly newspaper, which was
published 1882-95, with contributors like Alphonse Allais, Guy de Maupassant, Victor
Hugo, Edmond de Goncourt… and illustrators like Steinlen, Willette, Léandre,
Caran d’Ache… Musical critics were signed by Charles Gounod, Jules Massenet…

The success
meant that larger premises were needed and “Le Chat Noir” moved four years
later, in 1885, to 12 rue Laval (now named Rue Victor Massé). The previous
premises were taken over by one of the cabaret’s singing performers, Aristide
Bruant (1851-1925), who became very popular and famous, partly thanks to often
being portrayed by Toulouse-Lautrec. Now, the place is occupied by a souvenir
shop.

The new
premises were much spacier on several floors and also nicely (over-)decorated.
The shows continued, with poets and singers performing, with the start of comic
monologue (stand-ups), with a piano (Erik Satie was one of the pianists) and
also with a specific room for “shadow plays”, created by the painter Henri Rivière (1864-1951), using some 20 assistants, and attracting large crowds –
and later touring France). (Some remains of this have been saved and can be
seen at the Montmartre Museum.)

The second “Le
Chat Noir” closed with the death of its creator, Rodolphe Salis, in 1897. A
third one opened some years later, at 68 Boulevard de Clichy. The building is
gone… remains a brasserie with the name.

9 comments:

Thank you for the wonderful romp through this interesting period of Parisian life with a very impressive roll call of characters. I was totally ignorant about the history of Le Chat Noir. The sites of this establishment have been put into my google maps for my next visit to Paris. Warm regards.

I love how Paris has so many places that have gathered and inspired artists and other cultural people over the course of history!I am ridiculously fond of cats, by the way, so I have the classic black cat poster on my bedroom wall!

I have been meaning to look this up after buying some framed prints in a second hand shop here in France. I live in Burgundy in The Morvan so enjoyed too your impressions of cruising along the canals. I cycle the towpaths nearer Chatillon en Bazois It is so much warmer this week.

Peter, thanks for this wonderful post and look into a place I've always wondered about. Of course, I have always loved the art so I wondered just what it was all about. I am completely fascinated and admire your diligence to research.

I really enjoyed the Chat Noir bio – so many illustrious characters involved there and walking distance from my family Paris home. I just wish I could go back on a time machine for a day or so to be able to rub shoulders with these people at the Chat Noir …

Translate

Contact me

Subscribe To

Follow by Email

LINK TO MY PREVIOUS BLOG

My previous blog, PHO, was in operation for a year as from March 2007. It contains similar posts as this one, basically talking about different well known or more secrete sites in Paris. You can reach it by clicking HERE.